Thai Culture
The culture of Thailand customs is intrinsically rooted in its religion - Buddhism - its history and the family.All are deeply linked, but the overwhelming impression of the writer, is that Thai culture is based largely upon respect.Respect for the King, the religion, the family and in particular for elders!
The sad fact is, that the average tourist – going to 'tourist areas' will not encounter or notice many of the Thai customs, or cultural necessities which are ingrained in the Thai people, but which have had to be 'diluted' to accommodate the influx of tourists.
For instance, Thai culture will not be visually apparent when visiting the tourist areas of Pattaya or even Bangkok. The exceptions being the gentle reminders by staff at temples, that short shorts for men – and certainly ladies – are absolutely taboo.
But always accommodating, there will be suitable over-garments which you will be invited to wear in order to conform to the temple culture. Even this is sadly ignored in major tourist areas, where almost anything is acceptable – even if privately frowned upon by Thais.
Basic Cultural Information
Like it or not, foreigners are rarely well informed about cultural etiquette, and worse still are not always invited to conform to such etiquette by the Thai people who are so eager to please the visitor. Just because you are allowed to 'ignore' some of the customs and culture, does not mean that you should not bother to brush up on it before you visit.
A little respect and knowledge will endear you more to your host Thais – sometimes even more so than a tip!There are Thai customs that you should be aware of if you want a 'comfortable' stay in Thailand.Thai culture and customs are very, very different to that which is called culture in the west! The 'middle way' is seen as the norm - no extremes. It is a way of life that avoids - frowns - on confrontation and displays of anger.
The Wai
Thailand Customs: Thai lady demonstrates Thai Wai for instance, the Wai greeting - seen left - is not simply "Hello". There are strict rules and customs about who should offer the Wai to whom, and even how it should be done.But again, the Thai people are very understanding – and accept that foreigners do not understand the culture of Thailand customs.The best advice about the Wai is only to do it in return for a Thai doing it to you.You should never Wai first, for if you do
it wrongly – or to a person who should Wai you fist, it will cause embarrassment – even if not shown at the time.An example being that if you were to Wai a friendly member of your hotel staff, this would cause discomfort, for it is the position of the hotel staff to Wai you first.If ever in doubt about returning a Wai – it is after all not your normal greeting or show of respect – simply nod (bow) your head briefly as a show of thanks!
That way you do not have to feel uncomfortable or even embarrassed with performing this very cultural greeting – or return of greeting.By nature, the Thais are kind, accommodating people, often willing to share what little they have - sometimes with complete strangers.
Sasiwimon Poka
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ASPECT OF THAI CULTURE
The Kingdom of Thailand is home to 61 million people. It covers an area of 198,114 square miles and is about the size of Texas. The capital city is Bangkok, with a population of 6 million. Thailand is bordered by Laos, Burma, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Gulf of Thailand. The climate is tropical monsoon.
The official language is Thai. The majority of the people are Thai, with sizable Chinese and Malay communities as well. The rest of the population is comprised of Mon, Khmer, Phuan and Karen minorities.
The chief unit of currency is the Baht.
Thailand is a democratic constitutional monarchy led by a prime minister; the head of state is King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). The king has little direct political power, but is a symbol of pride and unity. The universal voting age is 18.
In 1932, a peaceful coup converted the dynastic country of Siam into a constitutional monarchy, and in 1939 Siam became Thailand. The years between WWII and 1979 were fraught with sporadic attempts at democracy, interrupted by more than twenty coups and countercoups. Since democratic elections in 1979, the leadership has shifted from the military to the business elite. The shift has been dogged by accusations of corruption and vote buying, with re-votes demanded in 62 districts in the 2000 election. Parliamentary elections in 2001 saw the rise of the Thai Rak Thai party, who successfully campaigned on a platform of election reform.
Despite its rocky transition into democracy, Thailand is home to a friendly and strong-willed people who are proud to preserve their spirit of independence. They have a close political relationship with the US. The country boasts a rich culture of renowned cuisine and a legacy of sculpture and architecture dating from the 6th century.
Thailand is famous for its beaches, ancient cities, and the bustling urban activity of Bangkok. In almost any town one can find outdoor markets and glorious temples that are hundreds of years old.
Traditional Thai dance is sinuously graceful; the dancers dress in elaborate brightly colored costumes and gold headpieces. The language is tonal, with one sound possibly having five meanings, depending on the way it is pronounced. The language has its own alphabet.
Rice is a main staple in Thailand, and generally accompanied by fish, chicken and vegetables. The rice is sometimes called 'sticky rice', and is meant to stick together in order to enable the diner to pick up the food from the plate with it, much as one might use a slice of bread to scoop up spaghetti sauce. (However, in some areas of Thailand it is rude to eat without cutlery). Rice prepared to a perfect consistency is a source of pride for the cook.
Accepting food in Thailand is a way of honoring the person offering it. It is rude to refuse.
The seasoning is zesty and aromatic, heavy on the garlic and chilies, often with accents of lime and coconut juice. Fish sauce, made of anchovies, serves to salt many dishes in the cooking process. Dipping sauces and condiments are common. A wide variety of fresh fruits grow in this humid region, and make refreshing desserts
Chanamate Tabtimtad
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Thai culture: Dress
Thai culture on dress in the past, Thai people have a unique Thai costume that is made of silk. Hand Woven Fabric Made to cloth for Thai women. Men have a popular costume for the villagers, it is inevitable that the loincloth, which has been used since ancient times to the present.
In the late Ayutthaya period, Thai women would wear skirt, garden coat Men will wear purple cloth. Wear a long sleeved shirt collar, usually not wearing a shirt. Currently, we cannot find it for this dress. Because modern Thai people like to dress according to the European style, which makes the costumes of the past began to slide.
Jhantarapa Jaitham
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The Tradition of Donating Food to Monks in Thailand.
Thailand has very many traditions, many of which are based on Buddhism, the religion most Thais belong to. One of these traditions is the donation of food to monks. If you know a thing or two about Thai culture, you already know that Buddhist monks are involved in most major ceremonies. During these ceremonies, the monks receive a donation in terms of food among other things.
For example when Monks Come Out To Receive Alms in The Morning
Thai monks rely solely on donations they receive from the people. Usually, they leave the monasteries early in the morning carrying bowls through which they receive donations. Food is one of the commonest donations made, although people also donate flowers and incense sticks. This is a long tradition that goes way back to when Buddhist monks’ destitute people who did not even have a place to sleep and had to rely on the generosity of the people to stay fed.
Pimchanok Srisantitorn
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10 Things You Didn’t Know About Thai Culture
1.) Unopened Gifts
Should you visit a Thai home and take a present for your host, you may find it is put on the side and left unopened. Don't be offended by this, though.
It is actually considered rude to rip the present open there and then in front of the giver. A Thai person is more likely to wait until you have left to open the gift. This is part of the “grengjai” custom (in consideration of).
2.) Asking a Ghost's Permission
Historically, overnight visitors to a Thai home were requested to ask permission from the phra phum (spirit ghost of the land) to stay in the house. The visitor would then be asked to thank the ghost when they left.
This custom still exists in some rural areas of the country, but you probably won't be asked to do this as a foreigner. However, some Thais will even perform this ritual before going to sleep in a hotel room.
3.) Keeping Your Cool
Raising your voice is unacceptable in Thailand and considered an act of losing control. Myself and a couple of friends caused quite a stir once in Chiang Mai when debating current affairs at the table of a restaurant. Quiet and humble is always the best approach in the Kingdom: you certainly won't achieve anything by becoming aggressive or loud. Jai yen yen (cool heart) instead of Jai rawn (hot heart)
4.) Wearing a Bra
As a foreign woman in Thailand, you will see women (particularly in Bangkok), dressed in short skirts, heels and backless tops, and often think, “That's a bit dressy just to go to the mall”!
This may appear as a green light to dress liberally, but in actual fact, as a foreign woman, you should exercise modesty if you want to be perceived in a good light.
The perception of western women is one of a highly sexed bunch who like to let it all hang out, a notion borne out of western movies and different cultural upbringing. Therefore, not wearing a bra underneath your vest top – with your nipples poking through or cleavage hanging low– is likely to cause a fair few looks of judgement .
It may feel a little contradictory when you see a Thai lady walk past with shorts on shorter than your knickers, but that's just one of those “Thainess” things you're going to have to get past to enjoy your holiday.
5.) Pregnancy Taboos
Pregnant women in Thailand will generally avoid visiting the sick, eating chilies and fishing. Chillies, I guess, are bad for the baby, visiting sick people might make you or your baby sick, and fishing…hmmm, no idea.
6.) Take Off Your Shoes, Always!
Shoes must be taken off upon entering someone’s home. Even if you get a “mai pen rai” (no problem/it’s okay), still take them off! Shoes walk on the ground and pick up all manner of dirt. A no-brainer really.
7.) Don't Touch The Head
Don't touch anyone on the head unless you want trouble. You may see Thais rubbing kids on the head, but I would refrain from this unless the child is in your extended family and a bond has already been established. In contrast to feet, the head is considered the sacred part of the body and not to be touched without permission; certainly don't put your feet near someone's head!
8.) Don't Point!
Pointing is a no-no in Thailand. Your Thai friends won't take offence if you point when joking around, as they will understand that as a foreigner you may point instinctively. However, don't point at monks or pictures of any of the Royal Family, and as a general rule don't point at people when making reference to them.
If you need to point (indicate) someone out, instead of extending your finger, bend your hand downwards with your fingers leaning toward the floor and your palm facing upward.
9.) Paying For Meals
In Thailand the inviter pays for the meal. In cases where it is unclear who the inviter was, the superior will usually pay.
Remember, if you are going on a date with a Thai woman, don't think going “Dutch” is an option. It isn't, and you may well be seen as tight (kee-nee-ow) for expecting to split the bill. In this part of the world, men pay the way on dates, I'm afraid.
10.) Ducking Down When Walking Between Two People
You’ll see the majority of Thais duck down slightly when passing in front of two people engaged in conversation.
It is a polite gesture of respect to acknowledge the interruption. The same applies if you walk past a person and block out their vision for a split second.
This list is a fairly brief overview, and there's a ton of other customs and traditions out there. There's also likely to be variations and completely different customs found as you travel between regions. Please feel free to share those you've come across in the comments section.
If you're thinking of visiting the Land of Smiles, then be sure to pick up a copy of A Geek In Thailand: the ultimate coffee table read for those wanting a fast-track overview of everything Thai culture. Click here to read my interview with the author.
Supawadee Charthai
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